Alabama Bans Indoor Vaping in Public Places Starting Oct. 1

Alabama will prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices in indoor public spaces starting October 1. Passed as Senate Bill 9 during the 2026 legislative session, the updated statute incorporates electronic nicotine delivery systems directly into the state’s existing smoking regulations.

State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), who sponsored the bill, framed the measure as an update to state health protections.

“The Clean Indoor Air Act has protected Alabamians and helped keep our air clean for decades,” Allen said. “As technology evolves, Alabama’s laws must evolve as well. Beginning Oct. 1, a new law will extend these protections in public places to address secondhand emissions from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems.”

The legislation formally renames the statute the Alabama Vivian Davis Figures and Barbara Drummond Clean Indoor Air Act, honoring two Mobile lawmakers for their joint work on public health initiatives.

Where the Indoor Vape Ban Applies

Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB9 into law as part of a package of health measures. The governor’s office clarified that the indoor ban applies to all vapor devices regardless of whether the liquid contains nicotine, THC, or alternative compounds.

The law covers most enclosed spaces open to the public, including:

Restaurants, shopping malls, and retail service shops
Hospitals, libraries, courtrooms, museums, and educational facilities
Workplaces, banks, and government buildings
Airports, sports facilities, and public meeting spaces

Private residences are not classified as public places and remain unaffected by the statute.

Exemptions Under Alabama Law

The updated statute maintains existing exemptions outlined in the original Clean Indoor Air Act. Indoor vaping remains permitted in specific commercial environments, including:

Bars and dedicated lounges
Retail tobacco stores and specialty vape businesses
Privately hired limousines
Designated smoking rooms in hotels and motels

The statute also continues to permit designated smoking and vaping areas under specific regulatory circumstances.

Read more: Alabama Supreme Court Upholds 2025 Vape Law Against Industry Appeal

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.